Master of Development Studies - Gender and Development Specialisation

The Master of Development Studies (specialisation in Gender & Development) provides specialist training and a professional qualification for graduates who are working, or seeking to work in development field. It is especially relevant to those with an interest in pursing careers in fields related to gender and development. The program is designed to give students a firm grounding both in theories about gender and development and in practical concerns surrounding planning for gender in development projects within government and non-government organisations. The program does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, but high achieving students who complete the thesis option may qualify for entry to a masters by research or PhD.

Students who complete the Masters of Development Studies (specialisation in Gender and Development) should:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of recent developments in feminist theory and the literature in gender and development;
• understand the issues involved in debates about the relationships between gender and the development process;
• develop an understanding of contemporary feminist debates about gender and development and the relationship of these debates to other areas of social enquiry; and
• know and be able to use some of the techniques employed in development planning.

200 Point program

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time.

• six compulsory subjects (75 points)

Coursework Only Option

• elective subjects (125 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• GEND90004 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

150 point program

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time.

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)

Coursework Only Option

• elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• GEND90004 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

100 point program

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time.

• two compulsory subjects (25 points)

Coursework Only Option

• elective subjects (75 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• GEND90004 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50 points)
• elective subjects (25 points)

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (at least 25 points). Students must complete one capstone option:

Capstone Stream 1: DEVT90041 Research Methods for Development (12.5 points) and DEVT90048 Research for Development (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to develop research skills and apply those skills in a workshop setting.

Capstone Stream 2: Co-requisites: DEVT90002 Internship in Development (12.5 points) and DEVT90001 Project Management & Design (12.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to acquire practical skills in development practice and project management and apply this knowledge to solve problems that arise in a professional context and develop an integrated understanding of knowledge and practice.

Capstone Stream 3: GEND90004 Minor Thesis – Gender and Development (50 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a specific development research question.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework.